Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2012 8:28AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.

Parks Canada Danyelle Magnan, Parks Canada

Orange does not mean go! Natural activity is expected to taper off as inputs decrease. Skier triggering remains likely, with very high consequences.Drive past the Grizzly slide path (Hermit Meadows) to be reminded of the potential of these layers.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Southerly winds have accompanied this weeks storm. Windslabs exist at ridgecrests. These may overlie lower density snow and be triggerable, potentially stepping down to deeper instabilities. Wind transport has loaded slopes and cornices are growing.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The Feb 9 persistent layer is down 1.5 to 2m. and remains reactive. Another climax avalanche was reported yesterday: a natural off of Teddybear ridge was 1.5m deep, logged mature timber, and hit the standard uptracks to grizzly shoulder and balu.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
In the past week, 80cm of new snow, mild temperatures and high winds have formed a cohesive storm slab. Within the slab are a series of layers that are stubborn, and most likely to be triggered on convexities. Below 1500m it sits on a rain crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2012 8:00AM